THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.

be-wal' (kopto): In the middle voice, this word has the thought of striking on the breast and of loud lamentation, so common among oriental people in time of great sorrow. It is used to express the most intense grief, a sorrow that compels outward demonstration (Lu 8:52; 23:27). A striking instance of this grief is that of the daughter of Jephthah (Jud 11:37; Le 10:6).

See BURIAL, IV, 4, 5, 6; GRIEF.